What happens if my landlord refuses to release my bond in New South Wales?

Q: Can a landlord deduct cleaning costs from my bond in NSW?

Yes, a landlord can deduct cleaning costs from your bond in NSW, but only if the property is not reasonably clean. The law requires you to leave the premises in the same condition as when you moved in, minus fair wear and tear. They cannot charge for a professional clean automatically if it is already clean.

Q: Can I make repairs myself and deduct the cost from rent in New South Wales?

No, you cannot simply make repairs yourself and deduct the cost directly from your rent in New South Wales. You are legally required to continue paying your rent in full. However, for specific urgent repairs, you can arrange the work yourself up to the value of $1,000 and claim a reimbursement from your landlord.

Q: What repairs is my landlord legally required to fix in New South Wales?

Yes, your landlord is legally required to provide and maintain the property in a reasonable state of repair in New South Wales. This includes fixing both urgent issues, like burst water pipes or gas leaks, and non-urgent problems, such as a broken stove or leaking taps, provided the damage wasn't caused by your negligence.

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Answer

If your landlord refuses to release your bond in NSW, you do not need to wait for their approval. You can immediately claim your bond directly through NSW Fair Trading's Rental Bonds Online system. The landlord will then have 14 days to dispute your claim by applying to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT).

NSW Fair Trading - Getting your bond back

Last UpdatedApril 30, 2026

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How it works in practice

Claiming Your Bond Directly

In New South Wales, tenants have the right to claim their rental bond independently if the landlord or real estate agent refuses to release it or is delaying the process. You can submit your claim directly through Rental Bonds Online (RBO) or by using a paper form submitted to Fair Trading.

The 14-Day Notice Period

Once you submit your claim, NSW Fair Trading will notify your landlord or agent. They are given 14 days to either agree to the release or formally dispute your claim. If they choose to dispute it, they must apply to the NSW Civil and Administrative Tribunal (NCAT) and provide evidence of their application to Fair Trading within that timeframe.

What Happens Next

If the landlord does not apply to NCAT and notify Fair Trading within the 14 days, your bond will be automatically paid out to your nominated bank account. If they do apply to NCAT, the bond will be held until the dispute is resolved through mediation or a formal hearing. Always ensure you have documentation, such as condition reports and photos, to support your case at the Tribunal.

Important exceptions

There are specific circumstances where the standard bond refund process may differ. If your claim involves a dispute over unpaid rent, severe property damage, or broken lease fees, the landlord might claim more than the bond amount.

Additionally, if you share the tenancy and are a co-tenant, you can only claim the bond if all other co-tenants agree and sign the release form.

If you have an agreement to transfer the bond to a new property instead of receiving a cash refund, this must be coordinated directly through Rental Bonds Online with the agreement of the new landlord.

What you should do now

Log in to your Rental Bonds Online (RBO) account as soon as you have handed back the keys.
Submit a claim for your full bond amount directly through the RBO portal without waiting for the agent's signature.
Check your email regularly for updates from NSW Fair Trading regarding your claim status.
Gather your supporting evidence, including the original condition report, exit photos, and emails, in case of a dispute.
Attend the NCAT hearing or mediation if your landlord formally disputes your claim within the 14-day window.

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